Annual Summer Tradition Kicks Off With C-O-U-N-T-R-Y Music Legend

By Press Release&nbsp|&nbsp

Posted: Mon 3:27 PM, Apr 29, 2013

(Washington County, FL; April 29, 2013)— The Panhandle Watermelon Festival has played host to legendary musicians for the last 5 decades, and this season will be no different. Heading the bill during the Panhandle Watermelon Festival June 28-29 is country music legend and Grammy award winner, Joe Diffie. Fans can also look forward to country music singer, Andy Griggs whose first three singles were all Top Ten Billboard hits and will kick off Friday night’s show. “We work extremely hard to present Watermelon fans with an event geared for the enjoyment of every member of the family,” states Chairman Colby Peel, “Panhandle Watermelon Festival is thrilled with the high quality our two day festival represents.”

In addition to an award winning musical lineup, visitors will enjoy several kid centered activities including a bounce house and slide sponsored by Community South Credit Union and watermelon contests hosted by Northwest Florida Community Hospital.

Come hungry and feast on fare that goes hand in hand with Friday night Watermelon including hamburgers and hotdogs prepared by the Chipley Fire Department.

A family-oriented festival celebrating its 57th season, the Panhandle Watermelon Festival offers FREE entertainment and activities for all ages and has drawn generations of families to Washington County time and time again. Made possible in large part by presenting sponsors, McDonalds, Community South Credit Union, Tobacco Free Florida, Northwest Florida Community Hospital, and Wilbur Smith Law Firm, Panhandle Watermelon Festival has become a summer tradition that extends far beyond the Friday night stage.

Saturday’s events commence early with the annual 5,000 meter Hot Trot Run at the Washington/Holmes Technical Center. At the same time, spectators can head over to the Shrine Club for the traditional Pancake Breakfast .

The family favorite Watermelon Parade is scheduled for 10am. Participants will organize at the Chipley High School Football Stadium and continue east on Hwy 90 through downtown to the delight of hundreds of eager faces.

Festivities will begin immediately following the parade at the Ag Center with gospel group Crossroads kicking off another talented lineup of musicians. The time-honored introduction of queens and the watermelon contest and auction, hosted by Auctioneer David Corbin, round out the lunchtime activities.

Summertime Magic Art Show, hosted by the Washington County Arts Council and on display in the east wing of the Ag Center, will feature artwork from local artists as well as noted artists from the Northwest Florida region.

Grammy award winning bluegrass group Dailey and Vincent will close the musical lineup with a much anticipated bluegrass show.

Numerous food and arts and crafts vendors will be scattered throughout the Ag Center grounds and visitors can drop by the Kiwanis table and pick up a complimentary slice of Watermelon (while supplies last).

For complete lineup and additional information, please visit the Watermelon website at www.panhandlewatermelon.com. Follow us online at www.facebook.com/PanhandleWatermelonFestival, on twitter www.twitter.com/PanhandleMelon.

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